Reflection module and camera module including reflection module

ABSTRACT

A reflection module includes: a holder; and a reflective member mounted on the holder and including an incident surface, a reflective surface, and an emitting surface. The holder includes a cover portion covering a portion of the emitting surface. An area of the cover portion covering the emitting surface increases in a direction toward a lower portion of the emitting surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/113,594 filed on Dec. 7, 2020, which claims thebenefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of Korean Patent Application Nos.10-2020-0006446 filed on Jan. 17, 2020, and 10-2020-0111833 filed onSep. 2, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The following description relates to a reflection module and a cameramodule including a reflection module.

2. Description of Related Art

Camera modules are currently implemented in portable electronic devicesincluding smartphones. A thickness of portable electronic devices isbeing decreased due to market demand, and accordingly, theminiaturization of camera modules is required.

In addition to demand for the miniaturization of camera modules,performance improvements of camera modules are also required.Accordingly, functions such as automatic focus adjustment, optical imagestabilizing, and the like, are added to camera modules, so there is alimitation in reducing the size of such camera modules.

That is, a camera module may have a problem in that it is difficult toreduce the size of the camera module despite the demand forminiaturization and, accordingly, there is a limitation in reducing thethickness of a portable electronic device including the camera module.Recently, to solve such a problem, a camera module including a pluralityof lenses disposed in a length direction or a width direction of aportable electronic device and a reflective member configured to changea path of light has been proposed. Since such a camera module has astructure different than that of conventional camera modules, such ashaving a longer total track length and having a reflective member, thereis a problem in that image quality may deteriorate due to a flarephenomenon that may not occur in a conventional camera module.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts insimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

In one general aspect, a reflection module includes: a holder; and areflective member mounted on the holder and including an incidentsurface, a reflective surface, and an emitting surface. The holderincludes a cover portion covering a portion of the emitting surface. Anarea of the cover portion covering the emitting surface increases in adirection toward a lower portion of the emitting surface.

The portion may include a first cover portion covering an edge of oneside of the emitting surface, and a second cover portion covering anedge of another side of the emitting surface.

The first cover portion may be configured to cover a portion in whichthe emitting surface is connected to one side surface of the reflectivemember. The second cover portion may be configured to cover a portion inwhich the emitting surface is connected to another side surface of thereflective member.

The cover portion may further include a third cover portion. The thirdcover portion may be configured to cover a portion in which the emittingsurface is connected to the reflective surface.

The holder may include: a mounting surface on which the reflectivemember is mounted; a first side portion disposed to surround one sidesurface of the reflective member; and a second side portion disposed tosurround another side surface of the reflective member.

The cover portion may include a first cover portion and a second coverportion extending toward each other from the first side portion and thesecond side portion. The first cover portion and the second coverportion may cover portions of the emitting surface.

Surfaces of the first cover portion and the second cover portion facingeach other may be curved surfaces.

Uneven portions configured to scatter light may be respectively providedon the surfaces of the first cover portion and the second cover portionfacing each other.

A light blocking layer may be provided on the surfaces of the firstcover portion and the second cover portion facing each other.

The reflection module may further include a third cover portionextending in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis from themounting surface, and covering a portion of the emitting surface.

The third cover portion may be configured to cover a portion in whichthe emitting surface is connected to the reflective surface. The thirdcover portion may include protrusions.

The reflection module may further include a light blocking layerdisposed on the protrusions.

In another general aspect, a camera module includes: a lens moduleincluding lenses; a housing accommodating the lens module; and areflection module disposed in front of the lens module. The reflectionmodule includes a holder, and a reflective member mounted on the holderand configured to change a path of incident light. The camera modulefurther includes: an image sensor module configured to receive lightpassing through the lens module; and a case coupled to the housing. Thereflective member includes an incident surface, a reflective surface,and an emitting surface. The holder includes a cover portion covering aportion of the emitting surface. An area of the cover portion coveringthe emitting surface increases in a direction toward a lower portion ofthe emitting surface.

The cover portion may include a first cover portion covering an edge ofone side of the emitting surface, and a second cover portion covering anedge of another side of the emitting surface. The first cover portionand the second cover portion may each include a curved surface.

The case may include an opening through which the incident light passes.Either one or both of protrusions and a light blocking layer aredisposed on an inner side surface of the opening.

The case may include an opening through which the incident light passes.A length of the opening in an optical axis direction of the lens modulemay be shorter than a length of the opening in a direction perpendicularto the optical axis direction.

The case may include an opening through which the incident light passes.The opening may include: a first inner side surface and a second innerside surface disposed opposite each other with respect to a center ofthe opening; and a third inner side surface and a fourth side surfacedisposed opposite each other with respect to the center of the opening,and respectively connecting the first and second inner side surfaces toeach other. A shortest distance between the first inner side surface andthe second inner side surface may be longer than a shortest distancebetween the third inner side surface and the fourth inner side surface.

A length of at least one lens, among the lenses, in a first directionperpendicular to an optical axis may be shorter than a length of the atleast one lens in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axisand the first direction. The at least one lens may be disposed such thata side surface of the at least one lens facing the first direction facesa bottom surface of the housing. A portion of the bottom surface of thehousing disposed between the lens module and the image sensor module mayinclude a groove portion.

The groove portion may include an inclined surface.

Protrusions may be disposed in the groove portion. Each of theprotrusions may include a convex curved surface.

In another general aspect, a reflection module includes: a holder; and areflective member mounted on the holder and including an incidentsurface, a reflective surface, and an emitting surface. The holderincludes a cover portion covering a bottom edge of the emitting surfaceat which the emitting surface is connected to the reflective surface.The cover portion includes protrusions configured to scatter light.

The protrusions may have a triangular columnar shape.

The cover portion may be connected to additional cover portionsrespectively covering opposing side edges of the emitting surface.

An area of each of the additional cover portions may increase in adirection toward the bottom edge of the emitting surface.

Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detaileddescription, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device in which acamera module is mounted, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 a schematic perspective view of the camera module of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the camera module ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a lens included in the camera module of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a reflection module,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic coupled perspective view of the reflection moduleof FIG. 5, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the reflection module of FIG. 5,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a case, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of a case, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a case, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically illustrating a state in which thecase is removed from the camera module of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of portion A of FIG. 12.

Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, the same referencenumerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be to scale,and the relative size, proportions, and depiction of elements in thedrawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader ingaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses,and/or systems described herein. However, various changes,modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and/orsystems described herein will be apparent after an understanding of thedisclosure of this application. For example, the sequences of operationsdescribed herein are merely examples, and are not limited to those setforth herein, but may be changed as will be apparent after anunderstanding of the disclosure of this application, with the exceptionof operations necessarily occurring in a certain order. Also,descriptions of features that are known in the art may be omitted forincreased clarity and conciseness.

The features described herein may be embodied in different forms, andare not to be construed as being limited to the examples describedherein. Rather, the examples described herein have been provided merelyto illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing themethods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein that will beapparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application.

Herein, it is noted that use of the term “may” with respect to anembodiment or example, e.g., as to what an embodiment or example mayinclude or implement, means that at least one embodiment or exampleexists in which such a feature is included or implemented while allexamples and examples are not limited thereto.

Throughout the specification, when an element, such as a layer, region,or substrate, is described as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupledto” another element, it may be directly “on,” “connected to,” or“coupled to” the other element, or there may be one or more otherelements intervening therebetween. In contrast, when an element isdescribed as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directlycoupled to” another element, there can be no other elements interveningtherebetween.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any one and any combinationof any two or more of the associated listed items.

Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used hereinto describe various members, components, regions, layers, or sections,these members, components, regions, layers, or sections are not to belimited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguishone member, component, region, layer, or section from another member,component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first member, component,region, layer, or section referred to in examples described herein mayalso be referred to as a second member, component, region, layer, orsection without departing from the teachings of the examples.

Spatially relative terms such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower”may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element'srelationship to another element as illustrated in the figures. Suchspatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, an element described as being “above” or “upper”relative to another element will then be “below” or “lower” relative tothe other element. Thus, the term “above” encompasses both the above andbelow orientations depending on the spatial orientation of the device.The device may also be oriented in other ways (for example, rotated 90degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative terms usedherein are to be interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for describing various examples only, andis not to be used to limit the disclosure. The articles “a,” “an,” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “includes,”and “has” specify the presence of stated features, numbers, operations,members, elements, and/or combinations thereof, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations,members, elements, and/or combinations thereof.

Due to manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, variations of theshapes illustrated in the drawings may occur. Thus, the examplesdescribed herein are not limited to the specific shapes illustrated inthe drawings, but include changes in shape that occur duringmanufacturing.

The features of the examples described herein may be combined in variousways as will be apparent after gaining an understanding of thedisclosure of this application. Further, although the examples describedherein have a variety of configurations, other configurations arepossible as will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure ofthis application.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device on which acamera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure ismounted.

Referring to FIG. 1, a portable electronic device 1, according to anembodiment, may be a mobile communication terminal, a smart phone, atablet PC, or the like, on which a camera module 1000, is mounted.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the camera module 1000 is mounted on theportable electronic device 1 to image a subject. The camera module 1000includes, for example, a plurality of lenses, and an optical axis (aZ-axis) of the plurality of lenses may be directed in a directionperpendicular to a thickness direction (a Y-axis direction, which is adirection from a front surface of the portable electronic device 1toward a rear surface of the portable electronic device 1, or viceversa) of the portable electronic device.

For example, the optical axis (the Z-axis) of the plurality of lensesdisposed in the camera module 1000 may be formed in the width directionor the length direction of the portable electronic device 1. Therefore,even if functions such as auto focusing (hereinafter, referred to asAF), optical zoom (hereinafter, referred to as zoom) and optical imagestabilizing (hereinafter, referred to as 01S), or the like are providedin the portable electronic device 1, it is possible to prevent thethickness of the portable electronic device 1 from increasing.Accordingly, the portable electronic device 1 may be thinned.

The camera module 1000 may have any one or any combination of any two ormore of AF, zoom, and OIS functions.

Since a conventional camera module including AF, zoom, OIS functions,and the like (hereinafter, “enhanced camera module”), needs to beprovided with various parts, the size of the enhanced camera module isgenerally increased compared to a general camera module. When the sizeof the enhanced camera module increases, it may be difficult to reducethe thickness of the portable electronic device on which the enhancedcamera module is mounted. For example, the enhanced camera module mayinclude a plurality of lens groups for the zoom function. When theplurality of lens groups are disposed in the thickness direction of theportable electronic device, the thickness of the portable electronicdevice also increases according to the number of lens groups.Accordingly, if the thickness of the portable electronic device is notincreased, the number of lens groups cannot be sufficiently secured, andthus the zoom performance may be weakened.

In addition, to implement the AF, zoom, and OIS functions in theenhanced camera module, an actuator configured to move a plurality oflens groups in the optical axis direction (a Z-axis direction) or adirection perpendicular to the optical axis direction may be installed.When the optical axis (the Z-axis) of the lens group is formed in thethickness direction of the portable electronic device, an actuator formoving the lens group may also be installed in the thickness directionof the portable electronic device. Therefore, the thickness of theportable electronic device is increased.

However, since, in the camera module 1000, the optical axes (the Z-axis)of the plurality of lenses are disposed to be perpendicular to thethickness direction of the portable electronic device 1, even if thecamera module 1000 provided with the AF, zoom, and OIS functions ismounted thereon, the portable electronic device 1 can be thinned.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the camera module 1000,according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspectiveview of the camera module 1000, according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is aschematic perspective view of a first lens L1 disposed in the cameramodule 1000, according to an embodiment.

First, referring to FIG. 2, the camera module 1000 may include, forexample, a housing 100, a reflection module 300, a lens module 400, animage sensor module 500, and a case 200.

The reflection module 300, the lens module 400, and the image sensormodule 500 are disposed inside the housing 100 from one side of thehousing 100 to another, opposite side of the housing 100. The housing100 has an internal space to accommodate the reflection module 300, thelens module 400, and the image sensor module 500. However, the imagesensor module 500 may be attached to an outside of the housing 100.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an embodiment in which the reflection module300, the lens module 400, and the image sensor module 500 are disposedinside the housing 100. However, in contrast to the embodiments of FIGS.2 and 3, the reflection module 300 may be disposed outside the housing100, and in this case, one side of the housing 100 may be open so thatlight transmitted from the reflection module 300 passes through thehousing 100. In addition, in an example in which the reflection module300 is disposed outside the housing 100, the reflection module 300 maybe accommodated in a separate housing. The housing 100 may have a boxshape with an open top, for example.

The case 200 is coupled to the housing 100 to cover the upper portion ofthe housing 100. The case 200 has an opening 210 through which light isincident. A moving direction of the light incident through the opening210 is changed by the reflection module 300, and is incident on the lensmodule 400.

As described above, the reflection module 300 is configured to changethe moving direction of light. As an example, the moving direction oflight incident into the interior of the housing 100 may be changed so asto face the lens module 400 through the reflection module 300. Thereflection module 300 includes, for example, a reflective member 310 anda holder 330 on which the reflective member 310 is mounted. Thereflective member 310 is configured to change the moving direction oflight. For example, the reflective member 310 may be a mirror or a prismconfigured to reflect light.

The lens module 400 includes a plurality of lenses through which lightof which a moving direction is changed by the reflective member 310, anda lens barrel 410 accommodating the plurality of lenses. In FIG. 3, onlya lens L1 (hereinafter referred to as a first lens) disposed closest toan object side, among the plurality of lenses, is illustrated forconvenience of description.

The image sensor module 500 includes a sensor housing 510, an infraredcut filter 530, an image sensor 550, and a printed circuit board 570.The infrared cut filter 530 may be mounted on the sensor housing 510.The infrared cut filter 530 functions to block light in an infraredregion from among the light that has passed through the lens module 400.The printed circuit board 570 is coupled to the sensor housing 510, andthe image sensor 550 is disposed on the printed circuit board 570. Thelight passing through the lens module 400 is received by the imagesensor module 500 (e.g., the image sensor 550).

At least one lens among the plurality of lenses has a non-circularplanar shape. For example, the first lens L1 is non-circular, whenviewed from the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). That is, thefirst lens L1 may be non-circular in an XY plane. It is also possiblefor every lens of the plurality of lenses to have a non-circular planarshape. Referring to FIG. 4, on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis(Z axis), a length of the first lens L1 in a first direction (X-axisdirection) perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis) is shorter than alength of the first lens L1 in a second direction (Y-axis direction)perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis) and the first direction(X-axis direction). For example, the first lens L1 has a major axis anda minor axis. A line segment connecting both sides of the first lens L1in the first direction (X-axis direction) while passing through theoptical axis (Z axis) is a minor axis, and a line segment connectingboth sides of the first lens L1 in the second direction (Y-axisdirection) while passing through the optical axis (Z axis) is a majoraxis. The major axis and the minor axis are perpendicular to each other,and the length of the major axis is longer than the length of the minoraxis.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first lens L1 includes an optical portion10 and a flange portion 30. The optical portion 10 may be a portion inwhich optical performance of the first lens L1 is exhibited. Forexample, light reflected from a subject may pass through the opticalportion 10 and be refracted. The optical portion 10 has refractivepower, and may have an aspherical shape. The flange portion 30 may beconfigured to fix the first lens L1 to another configuration, forexample, the lens barrel 410 or another lens. The flange portion 30 mayextend from the optical portion 10, and may be integrally formed withthe optical portion 10.

The optical portion 10 is formed in a non-circular shape. For example,the optical portion 10 is non-circular, when viewed from the opticalaxis direction (Z-axis direction). That is, the optical portion 10 maybe non-circular in an XY plane. Referring to FIG. 4, on a planeperpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis), a length of the opticalportion 10 in a first direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to theoptical axis (Z axis) is shorter than a length of the optical portion 10in a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the opticalaxis (Z axis) and the first direction (X-axis direction).

The optical portion 10 includes a first edge 11, a second edge 12, athird edge 13, and a fourth edge 14. When viewed from the optical axisdirection (Z-axis direction), the first edge 11 and the second edge 12each have an arc shape. That is, the first edge 11 and the second edge12 each have an arc shape in an XY plane.

The second edge 12 is disposed on a side of the optical portion 10 thatis opposite a side of the optical portion 10 on which the first edge 11is disposed. In addition, the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 arepositioned to face each other with respect to the optical axis (Z axis).The fourth edge 14 is provided on a side of the optical portion 10 thatis opposite a side of the optical portion 10 on which the third edge 13is disposed. In addition, the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 arepositioned to face each other with respect to the optical axis (Z axis).The third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 connect the first edge 11 andthe second edge 12 to each other, respectively. The third edge 13 andthe fourth edge 14 are symmetrical with respect to the optical axis (Zaxis), and may be formed to be parallel to each other.

When viewed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the firstedge 11 and the second edge 12 have an arc shape, and the third edge 13and the fourth edge 14 generally have a straight (linear) shape. That isthe first edge 11 and the second edge 12 each have an arc shape in an XYplane, and the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 each generally havea straight shape in an XY plane.

The optical portion 10 has a major axis (a) and a minor axis (b). A linesegment connecting the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 with theshortest distance while passing through the optical axis (Z axis) is aminor axis (b), and a line segment connecting the first edge 11 and thesecond edge 12 while passing through the optical axis (Z axis) anddisposed perpendicular to the minor axis (b) is a major axis (a). Thelength of the major axis (a) is longer than the length of the minor axis(b).

The flange portion 30 extends in the second direction (Y-axis direction)along a periphery of a portion of the optical portion 10. At least aportion of the flange portion 30 is in contact with an inner sidesurface of the lens barrel 410.

The flange portion 30 includes a first flange portion 31 and a secondflange portion 32. The first flange portion 31 extends from the firstedge 11 of the optical portion 10, and the second flange portion 32extends from the second edge 12 of the optical portion 10.

The first edge 11 of the optical portion 10 may be a portion adjacent tothe first flange portion 31, and the second edge 12 of the opticalportion 10 may be a portion, adjacent to the second flange portion 32.The third edge 13 of the optical portion 10 may be one side surface ofthe optical portion 10, in which the flange portion 30 is not formed,and the fourth edge 14 of the optical portion 10 may be another sidesurface of the optical portion 10 in which the flange portion 30 is notformed.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first lens L1 is disposed so that one of theside surfaces facing the first direction (X-axis direction) faces thebottom surface 110 of the housing 100, and is disposed so that sidesurfaces facing the second direction (Y-axis direction) face the innerside surfaces of the housing 100, respectively. That is, the first lensL1 is disposed so that the side surfaces facing the first direction(X-axis direction) face the thickness direction (X-axis direction) ofthe housing 100, and is disposed so that the side surfaces facing thesecond direction (Y-axis direction) face the width direction (Y-axisdirection) of the housing 100. Since the length of the first lens L1 inthe first direction (X-axis direction) is formed to be shorter than thelength of the first lens L1 in the second direction (Y-axis direction),the thickness of the housing 100 may be reduced.

FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the reflection module300, according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a coupled perspective view ofthe reflection module 300, according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is aschematic front view of the reflection module 300, according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the reflection module 300 includes thereflective member 310, and the holder 330 on which the reflective member310 is mounted.

As described above, the reflective member 310 is configured to change amoving direction of light. The reflective member 310 may be a prism, butmay alternatively be a mirror.

The reflective member 310 may have a shape obtained by dividing arectangular parallelepiped or a cube in a diagonal direction, andincludes an incident surface 311, a reflective surface 312, and anemitting surface 313. The reflective member 310 includes three squaresurfaces and two triangular surfaces. For example, the incident surface311, the reflective surface 312, and the emitting surface 313 of thereflective member 310 have a rectangular shape, and both side surfaces314 and 315 of the reflective member 310 are substantially triangular.

If an edge at which the incident surface 311 and the emitting surface313 are connected were formed as a sharp shape, there would be a risk ofthis edge being damaged by impacts. If the edge connecting the incidentsurface 311 and the emitting surface 313 were to be damaged due toimpacts, a flare phenomenon may be caused due to unintended reflectionof light.

Therefore, a chamfered portion 316 may be formed at an edge of thereflective member 310 at which the incident surface 311 and the emittingsurface 313 are connected to prevent damage to the reflective member 310due to impacts, or the like.

For example, the chamfered portion 316 is formed to have a predeterminedangle with respect to the incident surface 311 and the emitting surface313. An angle between the chamfered portion 316 and the incident surface311 and an angle between the chamfered portion 316 and the emittingsurface 313 may be obtuse angles.

A light blocking layer may be disposed in or on the chamfered portion316. As an example, the light blocking layer may be formed by attachinga light blocking film to the chamfered portion 316 or painting a lightblocking paint.

The holder 330 has a first side portion 331 and a second side portion332 surrounding both side surfaces of the reflective member 310. Thefirst side portion 331 is disposed to surround one side surface 314 ofthe reflective member 310, and the second side portion 332 is disposedto surround the other side surface 315 of the reflective member 310.

In addition, the holder 330 includes a mounting surface 333 on which thereflective member 310 is mounted. The mounting surface 333 may bedisposed between the first side portion 331 and the second side portion332. The mounting surface 333 may be configured as an inclined surface.

For example, the mounting surface 333 may be an inclined surface,inclined by 45° with respect to the optical axis (Z axis) of theplurality of lenses. The reflective surface 312 of the reflective member310 is coupled to the mounting surface 333. Light that has passedthrough the incident surface 311 is reflected by the reflective surface312 and passes through the emitting surface 313.

However, when light that has passed through the incident surface 311 isreflected from a portion other than the reflective surface 312 (forexample, the side surfaces 314 and 315 of the reflective member 310), aflare phenomenon may be caused.

In addition, since not all light reflected from the reflective surface312 is used for image formation, even if light is reflected from thereflective surface 312, light not used for image formation may cause aflare phenomenon.

The camera module 1000 is configured such that the holder 330 covers aportion of the emitting surface 313 of the reflective member 310 toprevent a flare phenomenon occurring due to unnecessary light.

For example, the holder 330 includes a cover portion 370 configured tocover a portion of the emitting surface 313 of the reflective member310. For example, the cover portion 370 may be configured to cover edgeson opposite sides of the emitting surface 313 of the reflective member310.

The cover portion 370 includes a first cover portion 340 and a secondcover portion 350.

The first cover portion 340 extends from the first side portion 331 inone direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis) (for example,in one Y-axis direction), and the second cover portion 350 extends fromthe second side portion 332 in another direction perpendicular to theoptical axis (Z axis) (for example, in another Y-axis direction oppositethe one Y-axis direction). For example, the first cover portion 340 andthe second cover portion 350 are disposed to extend toward each other.

The first cover portion 340 and the second cover portion 350respectively cover a portion of the emitting surface 313 of thereflective member 310. The first cover portion 340 may be configured tocover an edge of one side of the emitting surface 313, and the secondcover portion 350 may be configured to cover an edge of another side ofthe emitting surface 313 opposite the one side of the emitting surface313.

For example, the first cover portion 340 may be disposed to surround, orcover, a portion of the emitting surface 313 connected to the one sidesurface 314 of the reflective member 310, and the second cover portion350 may be disposed to surround, or cover, a portion of the emittingsurface 313 connected to the other side surface 315 of the reflectivemember 310.

The cover portion 370 may be configured such that an area covering theemitting surface 313 of the reflective member 310 increases in adirection toward the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100.

For example, the first cover portion 340 and the second cover portion350 may each have a shape in which an area of each of the first coverportion 340 and the second cover portion 350 covering the emittingsurface 313 of the reflective member 310 increases toward the bottomsurface 110 of the housing 100.

The first cover portion 340 and the second cover portion 350 havesurfaces 341 and 351 facing each other. The surfaces 341 and 351 may becurved.

An uneven portion may be formed on surfaces 341 and 351 where the firstcover portion 340 and the second cover portion 350 face each other, or alight blocking layer may be disposed on the surfaces 341 and 351 toscatter light. For example, the uneven portion may be a surface formedroughly by a corrosion treatment, and the light blocking layer may beformed by attaching a light blocking film or painting a light blockingpaint on the surfaces 341 and 351.

Since unnecessary light may be blocked by the first cover portion 340and the second cover portion 350, and light can be scattered by anuneven portion provided on the surfaces 341 and 351 where the firstcover portion 340 and the second cover portion 350 face each other, aflare phenomenon may be suppressed.

The cover portion 370 further includes a third cover portion 360. Thethird cover portion 360 may be disposed to cover a portion of theemitting surface 313 of the reflective member 310. For example, thethird cover portion 360 may be disposed to surround, or cover, a portionof the emitting surface 313 that is connected to the reflective surface312 of the reflective member 310.

The third cover portion 360 is configured to connect the first coverportion 340 and the second cover portion 350 to each other, and mayextend from the other end of the mounting surface 333 of the holder 330in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis), (for example,a first direction (X-axis direction)).

The third cover portion 360 includes protrusions 361. Each of theprotrusions 361 may be connected to each other, and each of theprotrusions 361 may have a triangular columnar shape. A light blockinglayer may be provided on the protrusions 361. The light blocking layermay be formed by attaching a light blocking film to the protrusions 361or by painting a light blocking paint on the protrusions 361.

Since unnecessary light may be blocked by the third cover portion 360,and light may be scattered by the plurality of protrusions 361 of thethird cover portion 360, a flare phenomenon may be suppressed.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of the case 200, according to anembodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of a case 200-1, accordingto an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a case 200-2,according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the case 200 includes an opening 210 through whichlight is incident. The opening 210 may have a shape substantiallycorresponding to the incident surface 311 of the reflective member 310.For example, the opening 210 may have a rectangular shape and may havefour inner side surfaces.

Since the four inner side surfaces of the opening 210 are generallylinear, diffraction patterns (i.e., flares) may occur in a capturedimage due to the diffraction phenomenon of light passing through thisportion. Thus, either one or both of an uneven portion 220 and a lightblocking layer may be provided on at least one of the four inner sidesurfaces of the opening 210. For example, the uneven portion 220 may bea surface formed roughly by a corrosion treatment, and may have a shapein which a plurality of protrusions are connected to each other. Thelight blocking layer may be formed by attaching a light blocking film toat least one of the four inner side surfaces of the opening 210, or bypainting a light blocking paint on at least one of the four inner sidesurfaces of the opening 210. Therefore, it is possible to suppress theoccurrence of diffraction fringes (i.e., flares).

Referring to FIG. 9, a shape of an opening 210-1 of the case 200-1 maycorrespond to the shape of the first lens L1.

For example, a length of the opening 210-1 in the optical axis direction(Z-axis direction) is shorter than a length of the opening 210-1 in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) (for example, inthe second direction (Y-axis direction)).

The opening 210-1 includes a first inner side surface 211, a secondinner side surface 212, a third inner side surface 213 and a fourthinner side surface 214.

Each of the first inner side surface 211 and the second inner sidesurface 212 has an arc shape.

The second inner side surface 212 is disposed on a side of the opening210-1 opposite a side of the opening 210-1 on which the first inner sidesurface 211 is disposed. In addition, the first inner side surface 211and the second inner side surface 212 are positioned to face each otherwith respect to the center of the opening 210-1.

The fourth inner side surface 214 is disposed on a side of the opening210-1 opposite a side of the opening 210-1 on which the third inner sidesurface 213 is disposed. In addition, the third inner side surface 213and the fourth inner side surface 214 are positioned to face each otherwith respect to the center of the opening 210.

The third inner side surface 213 and the fourth inner side surface 214connect the first inner side surface 211 and the second inner sidesurface 212 to each other. The third inner side surface 213 and thefourth inner side surface 214 are symmetrical with respect to the centerof the opening 210, and may be formed parallel to each other.

The first inner side surface 211 and the second inner side surface 212each have an arc shape, and the third inner side surface 213 and thefourth inner side surface 214 each have generally straight (linear)shapes.

A shortest distance between the first inner side surface 211 and thesecond inner side surface 212 is longer than a shortest distance betweenthe third inner side surface 213 and the fourth inner side surface 214.

Either one or both of an uneven portion 220-1 and a light blocking layermay be provided on at least one of the first to fourth inner sidesurfaces 211, 212, 213, and 214. For example, the uneven portion 220-1may be a surface formed roughly by a corrosion treatment, and may have ashape in which a plurality of protrusions are connected to each other.The light blocking layer may be formed by attaching a light blockingfilm to at least one of the first to fourth inner side surfaces 211,212, 213, and 214 or by painting a light blocking paint on at least oneof the first to fourth inner side surfaces 211, 212, 213, and 214.Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of diffractionfringes (i.e., flares).

For example, an area of the opening 210-1 of the embodiment of FIG. 9 issmaller than an area of the opening 210 of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 10, a shape of an opening 210-2 of the case 200-2 maybe an oval shape. Therefore, a length of the opening 210-2 in theoptical axis direction (Z axis direction) is shorter than the length ofthe opening 210-2 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Zaxis) (for example, in the second direction (Y axis direction)).

Either one or both of an uneven portion 220-2 and a light blocking layermay be provided on at least a portion of inner side surfaces of theopening 210-2. For example, the uneven portion 220 may be a surfaceformed roughly by a corrosion treatment, and may have a shape in which aplurality of protrusions are connected to each other. The light blockinglayer may be formed by attaching a light blocking film to at least aportion of the inner side surfaces of the opening 210-2 or by painting alight blocking paint on at least a portion of the inner side surfaces ofthe opening 210-2. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrenceof diffraction fringes (i.e., flares).

For example, an area of the opening 210-2 of the embodiment of FIG. 10is smaller than the area of the opening 210-1 of the embodiment of FIG.9.

FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically illustrating a state in which acase (e.g., the case 200, 200-1, or 200-2) is removed from the cameramodule 1000. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of I-I′ of FIG. 11. FIG.13 is an enlarged perspective view of portion A of FIG. 12.

Since the thickness direction of the housing 100 (X-axis direction) andthe thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1 (X-axisdirection) are approximately identical, the thickness of the housing 100needs to be reduced to reduce the thickness of the portable electronicdevice 1.

Since the length of the minor axis (b) of the first lens L1 is shorterthan the length of the major axis (a) of the first lens L1, thethickness of the housing 100 may be reduced.

Since the minor axis (b) of the first lens L1 is disposed in thethickness direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 100, in order tofurther reduce the thickness of the housing 100, the third edge 13 orthe fourth edge 14 of the first lens L1, and the bottom surface 110 ofthe housing 100 need to be disposed close to each other. However, whenthe third edge 13 or the fourth edge 14 of the first lens L1, and thebottom surface 110 of the housing 100 are disposed close to each other,some light may hit the bottom of the housing 100 and be reflected, andthere is a concern that the reflected light is incident on the imagesensor 550 to cause a flare phenomenon.

Although the description herein is made based on the first lens L1,there is a concern that a flare phenomenon may occur as described above,even when a lens other than the first lens L1 among the plurality oflenses has a shape corresponding to the first lens L1. The camera module1000 a is configured to prevent a flare phenomenon from occurring due tointernal reflection generated from the bottom surface 110 of the housing100.

For example, a groove portion 111 may be provided on the bottom surface110 of the housing 100. The groove portion 111 is provided in a spacebetween the lens module 400 and the image sensor module 500. The grooveportion 111 may include an inclined surface 112.

Since the groove portion 111 is formed in the bottom surface 110 of thehousing 100, even if some of the light that has passed through the lensmodule 400 hits the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 and isreflected, the reflected light may be blocked by the groove portion 111.Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a flare phenomenon due tointernal reflection generated from the bottom surface 110 of the housing100.

The groove portion 111 may include protrusions 113. The protrusions 113are formed to have a length along the moving direction of light. Each ofthe plurality of protrusions 113 includes a convex curved surface, andthe plurality of protrusions 113 are formed to contact each other.

Therefore, when internal reflection occurs in the groove portion 111 ofthe housing 100, it is possible to prevent the reflected light fromgathering at one point, so that a flare phenomenon may be moreeffectively suppressed.

Referring to FIG. 3, the camera module 1000 may further include a lightblocking plate 600 disposed inside the housing 100. For example, thelight blocking plate 600 may be disposed in a space between the grooveportion 111 of the housing 100 and the image sensor module 500.

The light blocking plate 600 has a window W in a form of an openingthrough which light passes through the lens module 400 so as to beincident on the image sensor 550. Even if the groove portion 111 isformed on the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100, unnecessary lightmay be incident on the image sensor 550 due to diffuse reflection of thelight. Thus, the light blocking plate 600 is disposed between the grooveportion 111 and the image sensor module 500, so that a flare phenomenonmay be more effectively suppressed.

As set forth above, according to embodiments disclosed herein, areflection module and a camera module including a reflection model mayprevent a flare phenomenon.

While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparentafter an understanding of the disclosure of this application thatvarious changes in form and details may be made in these exampleswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and theirequivalents. The examples described herein are to be considered in adescriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptionsof features or aspects in each example are to be considered as beingapplicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitableresults may be achieved if the described techniques are performed in adifferent order, and/or if components in a described system,architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner,and/or replaced or supplemented by other components or theirequivalents. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is defined not bythe detailed description, but by the claims and their equivalents, andall variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents areto be construed as being included in the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reflection module, comprising: a holder; and areflective member mounted on the holder and including an incidentsurface, a reflective surface, and an emitting surface; and wherein theholder includes a cover portion covering a portion of the emittingsurface, wherein an area of the cover portion covering the emittingsurface increases in a direction toward a lower portion of the emittingsurface.
 2. The reflection module of claim 1, wherein the cover portioncomprises a first cover portion covering an edge of one side of theemitting surface, and a second cover portion covering an edge of anotherside of the emitting surface.
 3. The reflection module of claim 2,wherein the first cover portion is configured to cover a portion inwhich the emitting surface is connected to one side surface of thereflective member, and the second cover portion is configured to cover aportion in which the emitting surface is connected to another sidesurface of the reflective member.
 4. The reflection module of claim 3,wherein the cover portion further comprises a third cover portion,wherein the third cover portion is configured to cover a portion inwhich the emitting surface is connected to the reflective surface. 5.The reflection module of claim 1, wherein the holder comprises: amounting surface on which the reflective member is mounted; a first sideportion disposed to surround one side surface of the reflective member;and a second side portion disposed to surround another side surface ofthe reflective member.
 6. The reflection module of claim 5, wherein thecover portion comprises a first cover portion and a second cover portionextending toward each other from the first side portion and the secondside portion, and wherein the first cover portion and the second coverportion cover portions of the emitting surface.
 7. The reflection moduleof claim 6, wherein surfaces of the first cover portion and the secondcover portion facing each other are curved surfaces.
 8. The reflectionmodule of claim 6, wherein uneven portions configured to scatter lightare respectively provided on the surfaces of the first cover portion andthe second cover portion facing each other.
 9. The reflection module ofclaim 6, wherein a light blocking layer is provided on the surfaces ofthe first cover portion and the second cover portion facing each other.10. The reflection module of claim 6, further comprising a third coverportion extending in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis fromthe mounting surface, and covering a portion of the emitting surface.11. The reflection module of claim 10, wherein the third cover portionis configured to cover a portion in which the emitting surface isconnected to the reflective surface, and wherein the third cover portioncomprises protrusions.
 12. The reflection module of claim 11, furthercomprising a light blocking layer disposed on the protrusions.
 13. Acamera module, comprising: a lens module including lenses; a housingaccommodating the lens module; a reflection module disposed in front ofthe lens module, and comprising: a holder; and a reflective membermounted on the holder and configured to change a path of incident light;an image sensor module configured to receive light passing through thelens module; and a case coupled to the housing, wherein the reflectivemember comprises an incident surface, a reflective surface, and anemitting surface, wherein the holder includes a cover portion covering aportion of the emitting surface, and wherein an area of the coverportion covering the emitting surface increases in a direction toward alower portion of the emitting surface.
 14. The camera module of claim13, wherein the cover portion comprises a first cover portion coveringan edge of one side of the emitting surface, and a second cover portioncovering an edge of another side of the emitting surface, and whereinthe first cover portion and the second cover portion each comprise acurved surface.
 15. The camera module of claim 13, wherein the casecomprises an opening through which the incident light passes, andwherein either one or both of protrusions and a light blocking layer aredisposed on an inner side surface of the opening.
 16. The camera moduleof claim 13, wherein the case comprises an opening through which theincident light passes, and wherein a length of the opening in an opticalaxis direction of the lens module is shorter than a length of theopening in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. 17.The camera module of claim 13, wherein the case comprises an openingthrough which the incident light passes, wherein the opening comprises:a first inner side surface and a second inner side surface disposedopposite each other with respect to a center of the opening; and a thirdinner side surface and a fourth side surface disposed opposite eachother with respect to the center of the opening, and respectivelyconnecting the first and second inner side surfaces to each other, andwherein a shortest distance between the first inner side surface and thesecond inner side surface is longer than a shortest distance between thethird inner side surface and the fourth inner side surface.
 18. Thecamera module of claim 13, wherein a length of at least one lens, amongthe lenses, in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis isshorter than a length of the at least one lens in a second directionperpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction, wherein theat least one lens is disposed such that a side surface of the at leastone lens facing the first direction faces a bottom surface of thehousing, and a portion of the bottom surface of the housing disposedbetween the lens module and the image sensor module includes a grooveportion.
 19. The camera module of claim 18, wherein the groove portioncomprises an inclined surface.
 20. The camera module of claim 18,wherein protrusions are disposed in the groove portion, and wherein eachof the protrusions comprises a convex curved surface.
 21. A reflectionmodule, comprising: a holder; and a reflective member mounted on theholder and including an incident surface, a reflective surface, and anemitting surface, wherein the holder includes a cover portion covering abottom edge of the emitting surface at which the emitting surface isconnected to the reflective surface, and wherein the cover portioncomprises protrusions configured to scatter light.
 22. The reflectionmodule of claim 21, wherein the protrusions have a triangular columnarshape.
 23. The reflection module of claim 21, wherein the cover portionis connected to additional cover portions respectively covering opposingside edges of the emitting surface.
 24. The reflective module of claim23, wherein an area of each of the additional cover portions increasesin a direction toward the bottom edge of the emitting surface.